Module 17: Absolute Monarchs in Europe

Philip II

King of Spain who took over Portugal in 1580 and ruled as an absolute monarch.

Absolute Monarch

A ruler who holds all the power and is not limited by laws.

Divine Right of Kings

The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God.

Huguenot

French Protestants who were involved in religious conflicts in France.

Edict of Nantes

A 1598 declaration by Henry IV granting religious freedom to Protestants in France.

Cardinal Richelieu

Advisor to Louis XIII who strengthened the monarchy and centralized power in France.

Thirty Years War

A conflict from 1618-1648 stemming from religious disputes in the Holy Roman Empire.

Treaty of Westphalia

The 1648 agreement that ended the Thirty Years War and strengthened France.

Louis XIV

King of France from 1643 to 1715 known as the 'Sun King,' who epitomized absolute monarchy.

Palace of Versailles

The grand residence built by Louis XIV, symbolizing the power and glory of his reign.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Louis XIV’s finance minister who implemented economic reforms and tariffs to boost France's economy.

Jacques Cartier

Explorer who claimed Canada for France in the 16th century.

Samuel de Champlain

French explorer known for establishing Quebec and the fur trade in North America.

Peter the Great

Czar of Russia who westernized the country and built St. Petersburg.

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia who expanded Russian territories and strengthened the state.

First Partition of Poland

The 1772 division of Poland among Prussia, Austria, and Russia.

Spanish Armada

The fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England, but defeated.

James I

King of England who believed in the divine right of kings, succeeding Elizabeth I.

Charles I

Son of James I, faced conflict with Parliament that led to the English Civil War.

St. Petersburg

The city founded by Peter the Great as Russia's new capital and a symbol of westernization.

Louis XVI

French king whose weak rule contributed to the French Revolution.

Sun King

Nickname of Louis XIV, symbolizing his belief in divine authority and his role as a central figure.

Baltic Sea

The body of water that Peter the Great sought access to for trade and military expansion.

english pirates

Privateers who plundered Spanish treasure ships during Queen Elizabeth I's reign.

Bourbon Dynasty

The royal family that ruled France, starting with Henry IV.

Hapsburgs

A powerful royal family that ruled the Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years War.

Louis XIII

Son of Henry IV who became king after his father's assassination.

Cervantes

Author of 'Don Quixote,' contributing to Spain's artistic legacy.

Economic Genius

Term used to describe innovative leaders like Colbert in managing state finances.

Treaty of Utrecht

The 1713 agreement that ended the War of the Spanish Succession.

Portugal

Kingdom that was ruled by Philip II of Spain after the king's succession without an heir.